2/5/2009

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WEEK OF February 5, 2009

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Vol. 34, Iss. 17- 20 pages FREE - Take one

The independent student newspaper of Fairfield University

Inside: News

"One Seiser fits all" p. 2

Commentary

Out of the city, without a paddle

Fairfield sued by Bridgeport land owners after crew team leaves lease early by

"Rate Up!" p. 7

Campus Life

"Students find new friends at FUSA Fish Frenzy" p. 9

Entertainment

The snow fell softly on Knowlton Street in downtown Bridgeport, covering the streets and casting a grey hue on the nearby building. Months earlier, the aged factory was adorned with Fairfield regalia, the new home of the men's and women's rowing team. Mirror File Photo Only 16 months Back out boathouse: The University crew team left a boat house on Knowlton Street last Inside: later, no boats or equipJune. The owners now plan to file a breach of contract suit to recoup their investment. Cartoon ment can be found, and the building finds itself Now, the City of Bridgeport seems sue the University, citing a breach of contract. p. 7 abandoned yet again. intent to find out the true reason behind the Cumulatively, Piquette and Torres claim to have Last June, Fairfield team's departure, and to turn the one-time spent $270, 000 to transition the building, once athletics decided to abandon its pact with the goodwill pact and plan to revitalize the city a window factory at the height of Bridgeport's City of Bridgeport and move the men's and into a legal controversy. industrial movement, into a functional boatwomen's rowing teams to a facility farther south Fairfield graduate Ed Piquette '78 and house on the shores of the Pequannock River. down I-95, in Norwalk, citing "the landlords' former Bridgeport mayoral candidate Rick "It really is a travesty," Piquette said. "It failure to meet the conditions of the lease," ac- Torres, two residents of the city and landlords cording to a University press release. of the building on Knowlton Street, plan to See "University" on p. 5

Santa Clara dean tabbed as new academic vice president Fr. Paul Fitzgerald to replace Orin Grossman after this year by

"Driving more than just a bus: Reggae musician and Stag bus driver Mutti Lewis" p. 13

Sports

"Opportunity knocks" p. 24

Keith Connors

Lily Norton

Starting July 1, California-native Fr. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J. will be leaving the land of sun block and surfing to be the new Academic Vice President of Fairfield. Fitzgerald is currently the Senior Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Santa Clara University, a sister Jesuit university, where he also completed his undergraduate studies. The search committee for the academic vice president was chaired by Fairfield Executive Vice President Billy Weitzer and consisted of 11 other individuals, including student representatives, who have been working several months to find someone for the position. Fitzgerald said he had known of Fairfield for some time and was very interested when he first heard the position was available. He mentioned Fairfield's good reputation among the Jesuit community and his interaction with alumni as two reasons he's excited to come work at for the University. In the campus announcement Tuesday announcing the selection of Fitzgerald, University President Fr. Jeffrey von Arx said, "I believe that we have made an excellent selection in Fr. Fitzgerald, who combines impressive scholarship with extensive experience as an administrator and faculty member at Santa Clara, where the hiring, retention and promotion of faculty, as well as the promotion of increased diversity within the faculty, have been his principal responsibilities," he said. "I have every confidence that Fr. Fitzgerald will be of great assistance as we continue to implement our University Plan."

Just click it! www.fairfieldmirror.com

See "Fairfield" on p. 2

Contributed Photo

Welcome to Fairfield!: Fitzgerald (center) will join the University as the new AVP.

An introduction to Fitzgerald by

Lily Norton

The Mirror: How did you hear of Fairfield University? Have you known about it for some time? Paul Fitzgerald: Fairfield University has long enjoyed a very good reputation among Jesuits and lay folks at Jesuit high schools and universities across the country. The first time I met and got to know Fairfield alumni was in the late 1980s when I arrived in Cambridge, Mass. for graduate studies in theology. Fairfield alumni recalled fondly the tight-knit community, the dedication of the faculty to student learning, and, of course, the great beauty of the campus. Alumni also spoke of the deep, life-long friendships that they formed at Fairfield. More recently, as a member of the religious studies department at Santa Clara, I have read the scholarly work of such Fairfield faculty as Paul Lakeland, John Thiel and Nancy Dallavalle or heard them present papers

See "Q&A" on p. 3

Check out video of the old Expanded coverage of Game day sports stories Knowlton Street boathouse the new Academic Vice in Bridgeport President


2 February 5, 2009

PAGE 2

News

The

Mirror

... where we're only committed to revitalizing Bridgeport when it benefits us.

One Seiser fits all FUSA President Jeff Seiser delivers the State of the University address by

Tom Cleary

It was a theme that has been repeated by many politicians throughout the country, from Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell to newly inaugurated President Barack Obama. That theme: the struggles people face in the current economic crisis. FUSA President Jeffrey Seiser joined those ranks during his State of the University address on Monday night in the Barone Campus Center in front of more than 50 students and a handful of administrators. It was one of many points he made, but it was the one that hit the hardest. It came toward the end of his speech, as Seiser stressed the importance of "keeping our community together," in the difficult economic times that the student body, their families and the entire nation are facing. "I am sure difficult decisions are Inside: going to need to be made regarding various University projects," said Editorial Seiser in his speech. "But a project bep. 7 ing delayed in exchange for students being able to stay at Fairfield is a trade worth making." Each year the FUSA president makes a similar statement, although Seiser emphasized from the beginning that he was not simply informing students on the status of FUSA, but on Fairfield University and its community as a whole. He used the opportunity to discuss what he and FUSA have done and what they, along with the University administration and students, plan to do during the remainder of the semester. This event was both a recap of his job so far and in essence the start of his re-election campaign. While the attendance was not as great as Seiser may have hoped, his message remained a strong one, that it has been and will remain his goal to put the student's voices that he represents in the heads of the administration. Whether that means helping students stay at the University by encouraging the increase of financial aid or helping to get his peers into beach houses off campus. Along with echoing the concerns of students dealing with a financial crisis, Seiser stated that he will continue to work with the FUSA Senate and the administration to develop better transportation methods on and off campus, try to satisfy the needs of students upset with housing situations and attempt to create a stronger advising system on campus. "It is all about being partners in the University decision making process," said Seiser to The Mirror in a post-speech interview. "In everything from the new Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs to commencement, students have been involved. "Having students seated at the table and having their

Alexandra Gross/The Mirror

Midway through: Jeff Seiser (seated) has served one semester as FUSA president and reflected on his term during the State of the University Monday night in front of a smaller, subdued student body.

A look at the first semester of Jeff Seiser's presidency Tom Cleary Managing Editor

What has been done •

Participation in student process for selection of Vice President of Academic Affairs. The selection of Fr. Paul Fitzgerald was one that was approved by students on the search committee.

Publication of quantitative evaluation results. FUSA will publish the results of student's evaluations of teachers

More aggressive and appealing programming. These include John Legend, Santa's Workshop, Mini-Epcot and Girl Talk.

Additions to Fairfield Fridays. Seiser has helped make the day one that honors more than

voice heard is important," he said. Students in attendance seemed pleased with what Seiser had to say during his speech. "It seems that FUSA is really taking students input and changing things, like transportation, to meet the needs that students have," said Alexa Hoehne '12. "I thought it touched on every problem, it emphasized the good things," Jonas Stankovich '10 said. "It was a great representation of our University, our campus community and the changes that are being done to make it even better." Seiser, who has three months left in his term as FUSA president, unless he gets re-elected, plans to use his time to continue to address the problems he cited. "FUSA has changed quite a bit," Seiser said. "It has become more than just a programming board." Along with the economic crisis, students on campus remain worried about housing, especially the junior class. An estimated 50 juniors remain wait-listed and will not find out if they will be released from campus until May, according to a recent campus announcement. "The fact is the University is worried that there Alexandra Gross/The Mirror are going to be a lot of students that are not going to be able to come back next year," Seiser said. "And so Seiser matters: FUSA President Jeff Seiser delivered the State of the University speech this week. they don't want to release anyone until May when they

just on-campus athletes through the addition of Campus Heroes and other programs.

What needs to be done •

Transportation issues need to be settled. As sophomores will no longer be able to have cars and the beach community continues to ask for better transportation to and from campus, Seiser and FUSA will have to have tangible results after months of discussions with the administration.

Better on and off campus lottery. Students will have the opportunity to vote on what type of lottery they prefer, but when will that happen?

Continue to make voices heard. After Seiser won last February, he said he wanted to make the administration treat students as "adults." He has made strides by putting students on committees, but he still has work to do.

have numbers on who is coming back." Dan Lamendola '09, the Senate Chair, also spoke in a question and answer period and addressed concerns about transportation. He said that the Senate plans on meeting with University officials to discuss new plans, which include creating more shuttles during peak hours when students need to go to the train station, both from campus and the beach. Seiser said that he has been pleased so far with the work of Senate, especially the amount of committees that Senate has put a voice on. "Senate is being a senate," Seiser said. "They are representing the views of the students. We have senators on all the different committees. They are the elected representatives and they are voicing their opinion." Seiser said that he was "very proud" to see students debating with faculty members during a committee meeting to find a new Vice President of Academic Affairs. The FUSA President closed his speech by urging those in attendance to speak up and join in the process of governing their University. "I do my best to keep up on the campus culture," Seiser said in his speech. "I welcome any feedback because as student leaders we are accountable to you and are doing our best to better your campus experience."


News

www.fairfieldmirror.com

OnPage3:

February 5, 2009

Jesuit Roundup; University budget looked at; Schedule changes; Continued coverage of new Academic Vice President

University ponders budget for next year

Jesuit R undup News from the 27 other Jesuit colleges in the U.S. by

3

Courtney Kern

Loyola (MD) Men's soccer player goes pro Former Loyola Men's Soccer player, Milos Kocic of Serbia was selected 21st pick in the second round in the MLS draft by D.C. United. At 6'4" this former goal keeper for Loyola was playing on Serbia's national 21-and-under team as well as Loyola's team. In 2007 he earned 0.47 goals against average (GAA) and tied MLS goalkeeper and former Loyola player Zach Thornton with 17 shutouts, the most shutouts in Greyhound history. The next year Kocic had 12 shutouts ended the season with a 0.87 GAA. He has had stellar performances in such games as the 2007 College Cup against The University of Maryland where he kept the Terrapins scoreless for 120 minutes. Other honors Kocic received were 2008's Second Team All-American honor as well as First Team All MAAC Selection in 2007 and 2008. Source: The Greyhound

Santa Clara Students form peer-to-peer market Bronco Bikes, the bike rental program established by Santa Clara University seniors, will begin this spring. The program starting this spring is a pilot program until it is in full swing this summer. Bronco Bikes has received a funding pledge to get the program underway. Campus Safety has also been cooperative with the efforts of undergraduate students; a collective area for the program was established. Kevin Carter, a Santa Clara senior who is one of the founders of the program said, "We're going to have a fleet of 20 running bikes and a sample group of around 60 students‌" A T-shirt design contest is planned to raise more awareness for this program. Source: The Santa Clara

Georgetown Georgetown ranks in top for Peace Corps Georgetown University, for the second year in a row, is ranked as the fifth highest producer of alumni serving in the Peace Corps of all private colleges and universities in the nation. In 2008, 38 undergraduate alumni were serving. Georgetown President John J. De Gioia commented on his students participation in service, "Georgetown students and alumni are deeply committed to service and community engagement at the local, national and global levels, and they are well prepared to make valuable contributions to the communities they serve." A total of 807 Georgetown graduates have served the Peace Corps in countries around the world concentrating on education, youth outreach and agriculture. In addition to the Peace Corps, Teach for America employed graduates from the class of 2008; in fact, Teach for America was the largest private employer of GU graduates. Source: Blue & Gray

Peter Caty/The Mirror

Man in charge: Lucas is part of the budget committee along with all parts of the University community, including students. by

Christopher Haliskoe

With words like recession, inflation and economic meltdown floating around, the last thing a university wants to worry about is passing a budget. Fairfield administrators have begun to meet the problem head on. Vice President of Finance William Lucas said, "Without a doubt it is one of the most challenging budget years we have experienced." "Most universities are experiencing increased pressure on tuition and financial aid, the broad impact of endowment investment losses and illiquidity, as well as the volatility in the debt markets," said Lucas. He stated that the University was "very fortunate," to re-finance its taxes when it did last summer. "In order to balance the budget we are stress reallocation and reduction in expense budgets," he said. "The extent [that financial problems] will impact specific departments is more a management decision made within the University divisions." The University budget committee is currently looking at all aspects of next year's budget. The committee plans to present a balanced budget to the University Board of Directors by March. The committee is comprised of University administrators faculty, staff and one student representative, Nicole Barone '09. "Father von Arx asked Jeff [Seiser] for a student representative and because of my position as Secretary of the Treasury for FUSA, Jeff nominated me," she said. Barone then met with Lucas, "who described the process and the importance of confidentiality of information until after the

Student also serves on budget committee

budget is finalized and approved by the Board of Trustees." According to Barone, confidentiality is important because the budget is not yet finalized, and the release of premature figures could confusion among members of the Fairfield community. Barone said that when the committee asked for her opinion on specific issues, she would reiterate student needs and popular concerns among her peers. Barone said a major topic of concern among many students is understanding the breakdown of their tuition dollars and how they are used throughout the institution. "I think that they are also concerned with whether the students receive enough benefits from the money the University spends," she stated. Other areas in which students seek additional clarification revolved around campus activities and facilities, including the state of the RecPlex. "We need more treadmills," said Brittany Voland '11. Steve Bodell '11 said that "upgrades and improvements on the weight room," are due. Just as Lucas said that much of the change needs to be made at department levels, students had concerns about all aspects of student life: Janet Fusco '12 said that "improving bathrooms in dorms," has become a necessity. Another student, Anni Shresthe '12 said she would like to see more concerts like Girl Talk. As for those who have specific questions, Barone said that von Arx and Lucas would be available to answer questions to students after the budget is released. The budget is expected to be finalized and presented to the University community in late March or early April.

Fairfield names new AVP

Continued from p. 1

Weitzer shared his confidence. "Fr. Fitzgerald combines the kind of strong academic background with administrative experience that you want in a Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs," said Weitzer. "In addition, he brings his perspective as Jesuit and new ideas from Santa Clara University, which is an excellent Jesuit institution." FUSA President Jeffrey Seiser '10, served as a student representative on the academic vice president search Fitzgerald committee. "As FUSA president, it was probably the best experience I have had because I had a lot of authority in the decision," Seiser said. The process, which has taken place over the course of many months by the selection committee, first started with a large application pool and was narrowed to a group of semifinalists. These candidates were brought to campus in December. Then, another cut was made, bringing the list to four finalists who

came to Fairfield again in January. These candidates had interviews with panels of students, faculty, staff and administrators who contributed evaluations. Then, von Arx made the final selection and offer. "What may have stood out the most is how well Fr. Fitzgerald related to the people he met and to the campus culture," Weizter said, "In a short time on campus, he clearly understood Fairfield University and we could see how well he would fit in." Weitzer added that beyond his personality, Fitzgerald exemplified a "fabulous combination teacher, scholar, and administrator." Fitzgerald earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Santa Clara University in 1980 and entered the Society of Jesus two years later. He received a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the Jesuit-run Hochschule fĂźr Philosophie in Munich in 1986. In addition, he has studied at the University of Paris - La Sorbonne, and has lectured in China and Kenya. "Fr. Fitzgerald is someone who really wants to be here, will be here for the long-term, and will truly embrace the community," said Seiser. Current Academic Vice President, Orin Grossman said he was de-

lighted with the decision, but said that Fitzgerald will face many problems at Fairfield because of the national economic recession. "It is no secret that the world of Higher Education will have to deal with a very difficult economic situation for the next several years and one of his most important responsibilities will be to prioritize academic initiatives and activities within these fiscal constraints." In the position, Fitzgerald hopes to continue with the University's strategic plan, and to bring a new perspective to issues like academic freedom and faculty governance as a Fairfield outsider. "I do hope to bring some new ideas to the table from beyond Fairfield, for as good as any one University may be, there are always things we can learn from other universities, even if we have to modify or adapt their practices when we try them out here," Fitzgerald said. When asked what advice he would give to Fitzgerald, Grossman said, "I'll leave that for a private conversation with him, except to say that he should end each day with the thought, 'Did anything I do today help any student get a better education at Fairfield?' "If the answer is 'yes', then it was a good day."


4 February 5, 2009

News

Campus crime beat:

The

Mirror

The

Worker struck, window splintered, vending machine smashed by

Daniel Leitão

for registering a vehicle for a freshman.

Wednesday, Jan. 28 2:43 a.m. A vending machine was vandalized in the lounge of Kostka. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact Public Safety. 6:49 p.m. During a snow removal operation, a fellow worker was struck by a backhoe and required medical attention. He has since returned to work. Friday, Jan. 30 6:02 p.m. Public Safety assisted Fairfield Police in identifying an individual with a fake ID used to procure alcohol. Saturday, Jan. 31 6:34 a.m. An upperclassman was referred to judicial

Sunday, Feb. 1 12:59 p.m. Vandalism occurred to a pipe in the 2nd floor men's bathroom of Jogues. 10:24 a.m. A disorderly conduct was issued when an individual argued when told about the dog policy on campus. 1:28 p.m. A 10-by-6 window was smashed in the BCC by two unknown individuals. The incident is currently under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Public Safety. 1:37 p.m. A female student reported being harassed by a passing vehicle. The owner of the vehicle was identified and spoken to by Public Safety. The female student reported no further action. Monday, Feb. 2 8:04 a.m. An e-mail harassment case was reported to Public Safety and is currently under investigation.

Q&A with Paul Fitzgerald

Continued from p. 1

at conferences. So I knew that Fairfield was academically quite strong. When the position of SVPAA opened up, well, I was very interested in meeting with the Search Committee to explore the possibility. The Mirror: What about Fairfield interested you? PF: So far, I have found everything to be interesting! I like, for example, that Fairfield has a nursing school. There is a great need for nurses in the U.S., and within that need, well, I think that nurses coming from a Jesuit institution of higher education, with a liberal arts core and a holistic care for persons, will be wonderful additions to the ranks of their profession. I like the way the Business School weaves ethics and multiculturalism into its course of study. I also have to admit that I am very drawn to the place because most everyone I have met from Fairfield is so positive about the place. Generally, I like the fact that Fairfield is big enough to have a breadth and depth of programs and departments, but not so big that people don't know each other. The sense I got from the folks I met is that Fairfield is

a living community, with traditions and values, and with a dynamism that is leading our growth in a very good direction. It seems to me that Fairfield is becoming its own better self, and everyone — faculty staff, administrators and students — are all contributing. The Mirror: What do you hope to accomplish at Fairfield? PF: I would like to help with the major initiatives that [University President Fr. Jeffrey] von Arx has outlined: the further integration of the core curriculum, the further integration of living and learning and the strengthening of the Jesuit mission and vision of the graduate programs. The good news is that there is already a very healthy and positive movement behind each of these major projects, so my job will be to strengthen and coordinate efforts that are already underway. I do hope to bring some new ideas to the table from beyond Fairfield, for as good as any one university may be, there are always things we can learn from other universities, even if we have to modify or adapt their practices when we try them out here. Thanks very much for asking me these questions and for welcoming me.

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Alexandra Gross EDITOR IN CHIEF Tom Cleary MANAGING EDITOR Lily Norton ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR

The Print Edition News Department Phone Number (203) 256-6600 Editor in Chief Phone Number (203) 256-6529 EDITORS

NEWS ..........................................................Chris Simmons COMMENTARY....................................Veronica Florentino ENTERTAINMENT.............................................JP Porretta CAMPUS LIFE.............................................Meghan Schelzi SPORTS.........................................................Keith Connors PHOTOGRAPHY................................................Peter Caty MULTIMEDIA..............................................Jon Ollwerther ASSOCIATE NEWS....................................Jack McNamara. ASSISTANT EDITORS

NEWS...........................................................Mikaela Tierney COMMENTARY.......................................Elizabeth Connors ENTERTAINMENT...................................Whitney Douglas SPORTS..........................................................Courtney Kern CAMPUS LIFE.................................................Traci Dantoni STAFF WRITER...................................Christopher Haliskoe CARTOONIST..................................................Timo Wilson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rory Bernier, Val Bertolami, Megan Smith, Drew Garland, Annie Rooney, Kristen McManus, Janelle Cecco, Sarah Frank, Andrew Chapin

The Web Edition Michelle Morrison MANAGING EDITOR EDITORS

ONLINE PROJECTS MANAGER.........................Joe Cefoli BLOG EDITOR...............................................Annie Rooney PODCAST EDITOR.......................................Andoni Flores

Business Department Phone Number: (203) 256-6594 Fax Number: (203) 254-4162 Christopher Haliskoe MANAGING DIRECTOR OPERATIONS MANAGER.............Christopher Tsombanos ASSOCIATE MANAGERS...Christina Tobia, Keith Connors, Kristian Petric, Julie Whittaker ADVISER

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MAIL: 1073 North Benson Road, Box AA, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT 06824 OFFICE: Barone Campus Center Room 104 MEETINGS: Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Mirror Office E-MAIL: General: TheMirror.feedback@gmail.com Advertising: Mirrormanagement@gmail.com

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OnPage5:

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February 5, 2009

5

Letter from the editor about new online features; continued coverage of the Bridgeport boathouse

Letter from the editor: Welcome to eMirror Alexandra Gross

In addition to eMirror, Mirror Blog Editor Annie Rooney announced last week a new list of blog topics and discussions. Blogs will be another opportunity for students There's something incredibly nostalgic about picking up the to get involved in the news writing process and for readers to gain an inside perspecweekly print edition of The Mirror. As readers catch up on the latest campus news, tives on undergraduate trends, study abroad ventures, beach life, campus happenings reviews and commentaries, writers and editors flip through the pages to see the end prod- and other aspects of University life. uct of days of diligent work. Yet, as The design of the Web site has print media around the media faces also changed. Top stories from the the pressures of decreasing readerweek will appear in a scrolling box ship, Fairfield's own independent at the top of the page, and all breakstudent newspaper is adapting to ing news stories will be posted as these changes. the first news item below The MirIf you have visited The Mirror ror masthead on the homepage. online recently or read letters from Don't worry; the print edition me in the past, one way in which of The Mirror isn't going anywhere we are trying to increase readership in the near future. However, we is through the development of new encourage members of the Uniuser-friendly options. One of the versity to venture out beyond the latest features is eMirror, a tool newsstands and visit Fairfieldmirthat allows readers to flip through ror.com, as it is our goal to make the pages of the weekly edition our Web site the primary source of virtually, avoiding those black ink campus news. marks that accumulate on your The next time you visit Fairhands from the print edition. fieldmirror.com, take note of the asAs you read the virtual edition, pects of the site that you like and othyou can also check out archived isers that you feel need improvement. Mirror File Photo sues and additional online features Go Paperless: The Mirror can now be read in print form online through the eMirror feature. We welcome all your comments, during your visit to Fairfieldmirror. concerns and suggestions regarding com. Throughout the week, we try to add new slideshows, videos and other multimedia any aspect of The Mirror, so please e-mail us at themirror.feedback@gmail.com. events, keeping students, parents and alumni updated on the happenings beyond the The success of this newspaper is not possible without the input of the community deadline restrictions of print. at large. by

University and Bridgeport owners offer conflicting viewpoints on boathouse Continued from p. 1

Not long after, Piquette and Torres surprisingly received word that the wasn't just wonderful for us or for the city, but for the Uni- University had decided to terminate versity. It was a sweetheart deal. We invested a lot of in the the agreement and leave the facility in project and Fairfield invested zero." Bridgeport. "The claims are really nonThe lease, according to Torres, was $1000 less than the issues," Piquette said of the school's school was paying for outdoor space in Shelton, its previous reasoning to leave the facility. "It is boathouse. The lease was not set to expire until June 2012. almost silly." "From what I understand, that [Shelton] facility was Currently, Piquette and Torres are nothing more than a glorified tent," Piquette added. seeking legal actions, including "puniFollowing the conclusion of last year's spring season, tive damages", for the school's actions the landlords received word from Fairfield administrative of- that stand in violation of the lease. ficials that the University had deemed that the facility needed "It was really a breach of lease more immediate improvements in certain aspects of the building, than a termination," Piquette said. as per health and safety regulations. "The litigation is likely going to "The safety of the student-athletes is always of para- be fairly lengthy and intense," Piquette mount concern and among the commitments that were not added. "It is not going to be pretty." met are building deficiencies that relate to that issue," the The teams moved to the facility on Mirror File Photo University said in a press release. the East Side of the neighboring city Back out boathouse: The University crew team left a boat house on KnowlLater in the month, Fairfield officials also notified Pi- in Sept. 2007, regularly practicing and ton Street last June. The owners now plan to file a breach of contract suit to quette and Torres that the school requested a certificated of housing boats there for the majority of recoup their investment. occupancy (CO) for the building, citing the need to insure the rowing season. equipment and boating materials housed in the facility. "Fairfield University is very heavily committed to the terson said begins in March. "We took it upon ourselves to get the CO for the Univer- redevelopment of the city of Bridgeport," athletic director "Wherever it is, I will coach, we will compete, and our sity," Piquette said. "It really was the University's responsibil- Gene Doris told The Mirror in Nov. 2007. "There is a lot go- teams will do what we are supposed to do," Patterson said. ity to get it, but we took it upon ourselves to do it because we ing on, similar to when we decided to make the move to the "We only concern ourselves with the things most important wanted Fairfield back." Arena downtown; before it was built, you had to say, 'What is to us. Can we row? Yes. Can we compete? The team won this going to look like when it medals for the first time." is done?' and it is very similar "All we need is access to the water and a place to store to this." our boats," Patterson added. "The Bridgeport boatFairfield athletics has maintained that it is still in search house was the only boathouse of a permanent training facility and boathouse for the rowing I had known in my tenure teams, and that Fairfield remains committed to "supporting here," head coach David development of the City of Bridgeport." Patterson said. "Aside from Despite the likely litigation, Torres, and the city of location, we were able to Bridgeport, remain interested in retaining Fairfield's presence house our boats indoors." in the city, especially in the East Side. The decision to move to "I would just as soon want to have a sit down with Norwalk, however, was made [University President] Father [Jeffrey] von Arx and resolve "at an administrative level," the entire situation," Torres said. "I think we will win the Patterson said. litigation – we have a strong case and a clear lease agreeMeanwhile, both rowing ment – but we just want the University back. If Fairfield teams are still searching for a had a physical, presence in Bridgeport it would be great for permanent home in lieu of the economic development." Bridgeport boathouse. De"It breaks my heart, since the original intentions the spite the team's presence in University had in respect to our agreement, was good in naNorwalk in the fall semester, ture," Torres said. "Father von Arx, namely, was committed no definite plans have been to helping the city of Bridgeport from the start. "However, I don't believe at this point that certain indiMirror File Photo established for the teams' Bridgeport blues: Fairfield is facing a pending lawsuit for breaching its contract. upcoming season, which Pat- viduals in the University do not care about that at all."


6 February 5, 2009

OnPage6:

News

The

Mirror

Schedule Changes

Wednesday is now Wednesday again

April 8 classes rearranged to correct snow day interruption by

Lily Norton

An early start to the spring semester and a plan to have both a Tuesday and a Wednesday become a Monday schedule have already made this year's academic schedule confusing and frustrating to members of the Fairfield community. Now, due to Mother Nature's winter ways, those same people may be scratching their heads and puffing air. Before Wednesday classes were canceled due to a snowstorm, the academic schedule planned to have April 8, the Wednesday of the week of Easter break, follow a Monday schedule. Due to the Wednesday loss, however, April 8 will now be a Wednesday schedule. Jean Santopatre, who teaches a visual journalism turbo on Wednesday, thinks the change to April 8 is a blessing for her class. "This is better for me so we are not behind in our rigorous schedule," she said. However, some students are less than enthusiastic about the schedule change. Deirdre Byrne '09 wasn't happy with the change because now she will have to stay until Wednesday before Easter. "Because of my internship schedule, I would have only needed to stay until Tuesday if Wednesday stayed a Monday schedule." Communications Professor Gisela Gil-Egui disagreed. "Personally, rather than upset, I'm a little inconvenienced by the changes in the calendar, as they have forced me to modify the syllabus for one of my courses back and forth," she said. "However, I think it's only fair that, as faculty, I give the University administration the same flexibility I expect to receive when a conference or another professional commitment forces me to occasionally miss a class. "Beyond this minor issue, I'm concerned about what

will happen if future inclement weather makes it necessary to cancel more classes in this semester. I can only hope that any additional decisions in this regard are consulted with both faculty and students," she said. Despite these changes, Orin Grossman says he believes they will be the last of the semester. "We hope for no more snow days, but if that occurs we will probably just allow it to be a day lost," he said. "I doubt there will be major adjustments to the calendar, but of course it is impossible to predict the future."

Exam schedule changes as well

Independent of the Wednesday schedule change for April 8, some exam schedules will be adjusted, according to Academic Vice President Orin Grossman. The final exams on Saturday, May 2 at 9:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. instead of 9:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. This will leave only 30 minutes between exam times for students with multiple exams. Grossman said the decision came from a number of faculty who thought it made more sense to begin the evening Saturday exam at 4:00, which caused the other times to change as well. Economics Professor Philip Lane, who teaches classes on Wednesday, said he is concerned about the change in the exam times. "I was scheduled to give an exam at 6 and it has been moved to 4 which does not make a big difference to me," he said. "But, if a student has a three hour exam that starts at nine and another exam at 12:30 or a 12:30 and four, he or she will have at most a half hour between the exams. I do not understand the need to change the times, especially since the change may make the students worse off."

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Commentary

7

Editorial Row, row, row your boat

Editor: Veronica Florentino

February 5, 2009

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Editorial Board Alexandra Gross - Editor in Chief Tom Cleary - Managing Editor Lily Norton - Assistant Managing Editor Veronica Florentino - Commentary Editor Chris Simmons- News Editor

Seiser sees the big picture Many students were initially skeptical of Jeff Seiser as he won the position of FUSA president last year. After having Hutch Williams '08 in the presidency for two years, students were accustomed to having their president be the boisterous young man with the red wig and body paint at all the sporting events. But, in reviewing Seiser's presidency, Seiser has done just as much as, if not more than Williams, even if he isn't necessarily the most vocal man on campus. In his state of the University address, Seiser cited the progress that FUSA has made in working with the administration to affect change in the community we live in threequarters of the year. Coincidentally, many of the issues discussed at the meeting are the ones many students have been whining about for some time. Seiser reminded us of the improvements that have been made concerning the academic advising process, transportation on and off campus and diversity initiatives. And, of course, FUSA's mission has changed due to the national recession. He said that he will remind top administrators at every meeting of the need to keep students currently enrolled at Fairfield at the University, even if this means the transference of funds from other programming to improve upon and build stronger financial aid packages. While it is easy to students are up in arms about the OCB lottery or the choices for concerts, these plights can sound pretty petty when you hear that one of your neighbors down the hall had to leave Fairfield because he or she couldn't afford tuition anymore. That is, though, not to say that efforts for other issues should be abandoned. As tuitionpaying students, we deserve to see changes that can be made at this time. The number of complaints about FUSA and campus issues does not equate to the amount of people working to solve these problems. Sadly, many of the same people complaining about absent solutions are also those who are unable to name the FUSA president and unaware of the progress being made. Students may vocalize problems with transportation and housing to their friends, but immediate solutions seem few and far between. As Seiser emphasized in his Monday address, students have an increasing say in once administrative-only committees. Many of these appointed representatives are members of FUSA. Students, who otherwise did not care about the fate of student government elections, should see the value in casting their vote in the spring if they want to help be part of the solution, rather than remain angry undergrads.

In reference to the crew team's lawsuit from their former practice site in Bridgeport (see p. 1, "Out of the city, without a paddle" by Keith Connors), the Stags make the best of the situation by staying on campus, in the pond by the Dolan School of Business.

Niles Muzyk

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potentially defame the good name of any professor, even if they have never taken that professor's It's a few weeks into the semester and you're class before. probably thinking, "I should've listened to those The Web site becomes a burden for new instrucnegative reviews." The Add/Drop period is long tors as well, for a page empty of reviews may lead gone, and you find yourself drudging over an ob- inquisitive students into avoiding classes taught noxious amount of work that could have easily been by 'newbies' to the University. Also, a page with avoided. You realize if only you had listened to those nothing but one bad review has a higher chance of reviews, you might be out partying instead. dissuading a student from looking deeper into that Face it; professor's class there are good rather than having professors and little effect at all. bad professors Despite its out there. Pershortcomings, I haps back in have found Ratethe day, before MyProfessors.com the Internet, to be an essential the word about tool in choosing the harsh promy courses for the fessors would coming semesters. have spread Most teachers with by mouth, but established posinowadays the tions in educationonly use for al institutions have that method of a long list of recommunicaContributed Photo views. Spend some tion is to spread Why add/drop when you can Ratemyprofessor: Some believe this time pursuing those Mono. While is- Web site has all the information you need for course selection. reviews, and you sues that pertain will find yourself to our personal lives are another story, academics able to list the positive and negative aspects about should be our top priority. However, with the glo- that professor. It is also quite helpful in that some balization of academic information comes some reviews delineate the requirements and difficulty negative side effects. If done right, a mature crowd levels of various courses. For instance, one professor of men and women can take advantage of the in- I was reading up on gives multiple-choice tests in formation age and have a lot of success despite the one of his classes and essay exams in another. The editorial represents the opinion of the majority of The Mirror editorial board. shortcomings of free information. When I was touring Fairfield at an open house, What is your opinion? Write to us: mirror.comment@gmail.com RateMyProfessors.com offers students the I was told that this was a place where I would chance to share information and opinions on the find competition not with others, but with myself. various instructors at most universities around RateMyProfessors.com holds true to this idea; you The Mirror welcomes the opinions America and in a few other countries. On this site, can sort through instructors of various difficulties. and contributions of its readers: professors are judged on their easiness, helpfulness, This allows you to customize a schedule full of Letters to the editor must be timely and submitted by disk, clarity and the rater's level of interest in the subject, easy courses, difficult courses, or something in e-mailed to themirror.feedback@mail.com or even the professor him or herself (wink wink); it between. or submitted through our Web site: www.fairfieldmirror.com. might seem humorous, but there is a "hotness" tag It is up to you how you want to spend your educaOnce received, all letters become property of The Mirror. that one may add to their submission. A rater may tion. The courses at Fairfield are a great privilege that can There are no guarantees of publication and all submissions must be signed. also specify what class the professor taught and can present both a challenge and a wealth of knowledge. The Mirror reserves the right to edit letters and articles for content, add any personal comments he or she has. The wealth of information available on the length and grammatical error. Letters should be free of obscenities While we would hope that the college crowd Internet regarding professors allows one to receive and personal attacks, and should contain correct and factual information. would have more maturity than the middle and high what they put into the college process. Please keep letters to under 350 words. schoolers that flood RateMyTeachers.com with the RateMyProfessors.com, despite its few negative Include a daytime phone number at which the author can be reached. immature commentary, there is still a very low level traits, is another great tool on the life-long journey of comment-moderation on RateMyProfessors.com. on the road to caring for the whole person. The Mirror is in room 104 of Barone Campus Center The anonymity of the site allows any student to

THE FAIRFIELD MIRROR

by


8 February 5, 2009

Commentary

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor,

Thank you so much for your coverage of the Fairfield University V-day benefit production of "The Vagina Monologues." It is unusual and wonderful for the company to find a full page devoted to our work in the PepsiCo Theatre. As a company, we would like to simply clarify a few things that were reported in last week's article. First, it is extremely important for the Jamie A. Hulley Foundation for the Arts to be recognized. "The Vagina Monologues" was made possible because of a grant from the foundation. It paid for set pieces, some costuming and room and board for the cast and crew over break. To [Fairfield psychology professor] Judy Primavera, we gratefully acknowledge you and the foundation; this could never have happened or have been so successful without your support! Additionally, we would like to add that although there were a few rumblings, there was no concrete opposition to the performance of "The Vagina Monologues" this year, or ever. The administration wholeheartedly supported our efforts to bring this piece to campus — it is, after all, ultimately a fund-raising event to help stop violence against women.

Vagina Monologues

The statement that we were stopped at any time, in the past or this year, is entirely false. To our knowledge, no one has ever attempted to perform "The Vagina Monologues" at Fairfield and certainly not this ensemble. Last weekend's performance was the first attempt by any Fairfield students to perform the show, and we did so successfully and with university support. As a company, we write to make sure that the administration realizes we recognize their support for the show. We also write so that other Fairfield students know that we are not limited. Fairfield University is a Jesuit college that supports its students to explore questions, pushes its students to develop social responsibility and provides opportunities for students to follow their passions. Fairfield is special because it

Jack McNamara/ The Mirror

encourages diverse and, yes, sometimes controversial projects, but its Jesuit identity is stronger because of that. In conclusion, we would like to thank the University administration and our audience for creating a supportive and hopeful environment for us to work in. Sincerely, The company of Fairfield's V-day benefit production "The Vagina Monologues" Katie Carroll Liz Mercadante Anne Krane Sarah Gatti Sarah Zybert Alex Burke Jen Martin Mary McGrath Lindsey McKitterrick Jocelyn Boryczka, assistant professor of politics, director of Peace and Justice studies; Dawn Quintiliani, assistant dean of College of Arts and Sciences; Joan Grant, publicist, Media Relations; Gary Pelletier, director; Colleen Kennedy, producer/stage manager; Kat Reilly, set dresses; Jenn Trudeau, lighting designer, technical director

A personal struggle with depression

Alexandria Hein

believe and have hope. She used a dove to represent the hope she had for me." Editor's Note: Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, the Zoe looks for signs in life as a constant reminder that you names in this article have been changed in order to protect the can find whatever you are looking for in anything. She picked personal identities of the individuals involved in this piece. the dove to have a lily flower in its mouth because not only is it Zoe's dorm room paints a lively picture. She lives in a her birth flower, but it also comes with a saying she adores. four-person suite, and while her immediate roommate bailed at "I've been through many deep valleys in my life, but I've the last minute, she's made the most of her extra space; bunked also been on the mountain tops, I hope and pray that I can be a beds, complete with a brown patterned Roxy comforter, are in lily to the people I encounter to brighten the lives of others in the corner, her closet is filled with a complete wardrobe from a small way." "Free People" and her drawers are jammed shut overflowing Right now, Zoe is beaming. She's thrilled with the way she's with even more. turned her life around. Underneath the futon filled with overstuffed pillows, the "Sure I have my days, but so does everybody else. OK, my shag rug is scattered with various pairs of Ugg boots. A 16-inch days may be more anxious and worse than others, but that makes LCD flat screen TV is constantly playing Scrubs. my good days so much better," Zoe said. "Being diagnosed with "You know what I love about college?" Zoe reflects, dancing depression, and finding out that it wasn't just in my head, that around to 'Electric Feel.' "I can do this there was an actual chemical in my room, and my mom's not like imbalance, makes me feel 'Zoe! Do your work!'" better in itself." To an outsider, it all seems like When describing deany other room on campus belonging pression and the medication, to any other student. However, not it is surprising to learn that every student has a bottle of Lexapro, the pills are not automatic an antidepressant that acts as a buffer smiles. Zoe describes the between her reactions and reality, sitsituation as being stuck at ting on his or her desk. the bottom of a well, and "This sounds horrible but in my you keep trying to get out. deepest depths of depression, I would But every time you climb up, pray that I wouldn't wake up the next you slip and fall down. The morning, and then when I did, I would pills give you spike shoes ask 'Why?'" that let you dig in and keep Contributed Photo climbing out, and eventually There were days were I would just sleep all day. I'd take Nyquil just so that Reflecting on the good: Depression not as uncommon as one when you become strong I could sleep; it was better than being might expect. enough, you take the shoes awake and in pain." off, and that's when you Zoe is not alone. According to a study done by the American come off the pills. College Health Association, the percentage of college students The medication has helped her transition to her adult life. diagnosed with depression has increased 56 percent in the last six She notices differences now between how she is developing years. Fairfield University writes on its Web site that over 17 percent emotionally, as an adult versus how she did as a child. She didn't of its students consult Counseling and Psychological services. gain weight, she hasn't gotten more depressed, and her thoughts "When I wake up, I'm happy. Because honestly my whole of suicide were a part of the illness. The only side effects she has life I dealt with feeling that everything was my fault; my mis- encountered from Lexapro is her decreased sex drive and lower takes ruined things. An ex recently brought it all back up. [The tolerance for alcohol. Both are very small prices to pay for the relationship] was a blessing in disguise. I'm glad it happened life she has in front of her now. because it made me realize that [the depression] wasn't me. I'm "I'm so excited to get drunk this weekend," Zoe said. "You a good person," Zoe said. don't understand, this week Online: One of the things she had on her list of things to do, which has been hell. I've been in To read the entire story, helps her feel independent, was getting a tattoo. It's the outline denial because I'm so stressed. go to of a dove, with a lily flower in its mouth. The tattoo resembles I should be studying for phiwww.fairfieldmirror.com many powerful symbols in her life, starting with her mom. losophy, but I'm not." "My mom always told me that through everything, you She's not that different have to have faith. It will always be there for you; you have to from the rest of us. by

The

Mirror

Phelps needs to rebuild image

by

Emily Weithman (U-Wire/U.

South Carolina) The notorious snapshot of Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps taking a hit from a bong has been the subject of much media attention in the last day or so, and has also, unfortunately, been confirmed by the prominent athlete himself. Phelps made no comment other than to state his apologies. There seems to be controversy, or at least confusion, about what Phelps did wrong. The man committed a minor infraction. He participated in an activity where no one was hurt. He expressed regret for his actions. These statements are all true, but to what degree? Possession of marijuana, despite vigorous argument, is in fact a criminal offense. Phelps won't be charged, but he has been disgraced. And was no one hurt by his actions? Not his millions of fans or the people he represents as an American Olympian? Confusion indeed abounds. As for regret, I can only hope that his apologies were sincere and not an effort to salvage his image or his sponsorships. Are we naive enough to think this was the first time? Will it be his last offense? Phelps said, "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment ... For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public - it will not happen again." Yeah, it won't happen again, at least on camera, that is. And for those blithely unaware of current events, the best part of the story? It all happened durInside: ing Phelps' November 2008 Students, faculty revisit to Gameact to Phelps' cock Country. marijuana use Now a new Fap. 20 cebook group called "Michael Phelps Smoked Weed at my School" is circulating and his fan page is brimming with reassuring comments. One USC student wrote to his new idol: "Hey Michael, it makes me sad to think that you were so willing to apologize to the nation. If someone can win more gold metals than most small countries and still smoke weed, more power to you," the student said. "I think that people need to learn that they don't get to dictate how celebrities live their lives. I'd have liked to see you make that stand, but I realize why you felt you had to apologize." Overlooking the blatant misspelling of the word "medals," I have to find fault with another part of this dissertation. The writer feels that celebrities should be exempt from public examination. Their private lives should be held to the same standards as those of any regular person. But what most people seem to forget is that celebrities are not regular. They face public scrutiny, but also enjoy public adoration and other special treatment. Does this man deserve millions of dollars in sponsorships, and to have a blind eye turned every time he messes up and embarrasses not only himself, but his country too? Until yesterday, Phelps was a hero and a role model to people everywhere. Respect like that is not handed out; it must be earned. And no amount of gold medals can replace good judgment.


Editor: Meghan Schelzi

by

9

Campus Life February 5, 2009

Students find new friends at FUSA Fish Frenzy

Michelle Morrison

Everyone knows that the best way to get Fairfield students to come to an event is to give them free stuff. This past weekend, FUSA took that rule to a new level: under water. Students had a chance to win one or more of 145 betta fish that were up for grabs on Friday evening as part of the FUSA general committee event "Fish Frenzy." Students swarmed the lower level of the Barone Campus Center at 7:30 p.m., trying their hands at a variety of boardwalk games in the hopes of taking home their very own new pet. Games included dizzy-bat basketball, pop-the-balloon and Twister. Winning students received the fish of their choice as well as a small globe fish tank, multi-colored aquarium rocks, a plastic sea plant and enough fish food to last for several weeks. Katie Stern '10, who currently has six new pet fish in her townhouse, commented, "It brings a splash of life to our house!" By 9 p.m., however, the crowd of game-playing students had made their way back to their dorms, leaving behind a little batch of fish that no one wanted. Janine Martire '09, a resident assistant

in Loyola Hall, said that she did not get to go to the event, but her friend brought her back one of the "leftover" fish.

"I wanted to name it Cloud, but we decided it would be cooler to call it Nube, which means Cloud in Spanish," said

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Martire. The Info Desk is currently home to two fish, named Hutch and Fred. The betta fish, sometimes known as fighting fish, were picked up from a fish facility in Manchester, Conn.

Go online:

www.fairfieldmirror. com/campuslife

for more fish photos

(In color!)

Michelle Morrison/The Mirror

Free giveaways attract students: FUSA gave away free beta fish for winners of the variety of boardwalk games at last Fridays "Fish Frenzy".

They made their way by car, packed in small, individual plastic bag within a big foam container, until their arrival to the lower level of Fairfield's Campus Center. If you want your own betta fish, but missed out on the "Fish Frenzy," they can be purchased at most pet stores for under $5 per fish.

Dealing with difficult economic times

Michigan admits more transfer students due to economy

by Kyle Swanson (U-Wire/

The Michigan Daily) The University of Michigan plans to alter the way it handles transfer applications this year as economic hardships pushed some Michigan natives attending outof-state schools to transfer back to their home state. University Provost Teresa Sullivan said she's watching the situation very closely to see if students from Michigan who attend out-of-state schools need to transfer back in-state because of financial constraints. "We've been hearing anecdotes about freshmen at other universities who've been told by their parents that they need to come back in-state and go to a state university, like Michigan," she said. University President Mary Sue Coleman said the university does not normally accept a large number of sophomore transfers, but that she's willing to make exceptions this year. Last fall, 833 students enrolled as transfer students at the university, of which 32 percent were sophomores. "If there was a student who had somehow looked at Michigan and been admitted a year ago, but decided to go to Dartmouth, and now because of family circumstances or whatever said, 'Hey can I come back to Michigan?' we wanted to make sure that we

were paying attention to those students," Coleman said. Sullivan said students who were previously admitted to the university but chose to attend an out-of-state school would likely be re-admitted if they applied to transfer, though there were no official guarantees. "Basically, if you were admitted to Michigan a year ago, we feel pretty friendly towards you and are not likely to re-think that (decision) too carefully," she said. "It's not a guarantee, but it's For more on the budget see: "University ponders budget for next year"

p. 3

pretty routine." Sullivan said the tougher decisions will come from students who never applied to the university. "I think the more difficult case is the high school student who, for whatever reason, did not apply to Michigan, went out of state, now wants to come back and has never applied here before," she said. "That's a student for whom we have to look at everything." No official numbers have been released yet, but Sullivan said she has been in conversations with LSA Dean Terrence McDonald about how best to

handle the situation. The deadline to apply to the College of Literature, Science and the Arts as a transfer student was yesterday. Coleman said the reason the university doesn't usually accept many sophomore transfers is because attrition from the freshmen to sophomore year is very low. "Normally we don't have slots for transfers at the sophomore level because our retention rate is so high from freshmen to sophomores," Coleman said. "We don't expect that there's going to be huge numbers, but we also don't want to let these student fall through the cracks." Additionally, Sullivan said for a sophomore to transfer to the university requires much more paperwork than a junior transfer, as the student's college and high school career must be considered. When a student applies for a junior transfer, the university only considers the student's college career. On average from the fall of 2004 to the fall of 2008, about 840 transfer students enrolled at the university every year. A little less than 38 percent of those students were sophomore transfers. How is the economic climate influencing your life? Let us know at themirror.campuslife@ gmail.com

"How could the current economic crisis affect student interest in Fairfield?" "I think that it could be huge— Fairfield is expensive and schools like UConn might be much more attractive idea for a lot of families. You know the economy is rough when it is affecting directly Fairfield and the number of tansfers, acceptances, and releases to the beach that take place." -Brendan Monahan, President Class of 2010 "As a senior interviewer for the Admissions office, a lot of prospective students ask me about financial aid. I know for a fact that although Fairfield may be their top choice, students will be unable to come unless they are offered a large financial package. The problem lies in that the school now has less money to give out and yet the students need more. I think we will see the impact directly when the official enrollment of the Class of 2013 is announced in May." -Kristen Girard, Tour Guide, Senior Interviewer "I definitely think cost and the financial aid package will be weighed higher than it has in the past in a student's decision to come to Fairfield. When it comes down to food or college tuition, cheaper schools become increasingly appealing." - April Booker '11


10 February 5, 2009

by

Campus Life

Celebrate they did

Brendan Monahan

Most students could be found celebrating Super Bowl Sunday in their dorm room, lounge or townhouse. But for more than 100 students, Sunday's big game was seen in high definition from The Levee. Equipped with free food, free merchandise and cheap drinks, the popular pizza joint transformed at least for one night into a packed bar. "We can't have the Super Bowl without having a Super Bowl party, so The Levee wanted to take this opportunity try and bring the campus together, unite people from all the classes, and just come out and have a good time," Student Activities Program Coordinator Ryan Edmonds said as roars of cheers sounded from the crowd. It was a crowd that certainly took to the offer, according to bartender and IRHA President Mike Stahl '10. "It's been non-stop today. There's always been a crowd. The entire place was pretty much packed. Mike's Pizza had a line out the door before," said Stahl. Kevin Donovan '09 said that between Mike's Pizza donating its famous chicken turnovers, Stag donations of free wings and cheap beer, The Levee was the place to be. "We heard about the dollar drafts, the free food, they got the HD TV so The Levee is a good place to come to," said Donovan '09. Stahl believes it was the atmosphere that garnered such a big turnout to the sometimes quiet hangout spot. "Being here with the big crowd is a little more exciting and fun than being at a townhouse. You get more of a feeling from everybody when something exciting happens – you hear it instead of just seeing it. It's the closest thing to actually being at the game."

The

Mirror

The Levee's Super Bowl Sunday fete proved to be another unifying campus activity Edmonds says the bar is constantly striving to make itself a hit among students. "Whether people are out drinking or not, I think the point of the Levee is to really create an atmosphere where students can come out, have a good time, be able to socialize with their friends and really give them a place where they can call their own outside of their rooms," he said. Jen Clinton '09 said this effort has not gone unnoticed. "I think this is a really cool place to come. In previous years no one really hung out here. I think they made a lot of changes this year that made it a place a lot of kids come to hang out," she said. Clinton also suggested Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day parties that mirror the Super Bowl bash. Hosting parties like Sundays on campus that include alcohol are typically rare at other schools, something Donovan thinks is nice about Fairfield in that it brings everyone together. "The Levee's awesome because you meet lots of people that you won't necessarily see at other bars, like there is people from the beach here, people from the townhouses, people from the dorms," said Donovan. It is this environment that Edmonds is trying to build and for Super Bowl Sunday, students were surely looking to find. Students excitedly crowded the TV's during the finals minutes of the Superbowl to watch the Pittsburgh Stealers victory over the Arizona Cardinals. "I think it's really important to have a place like this," Clinton said. "It definitely builds community."

Brendan Monahan/The Mirror

A super-fun time: The Levee hosted a well attended Super Bowl party at The Levee and hope to see more events like it put on there in the upcoming semester.

To vote for your favorite Superbowl commercial

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The Mirror’s guide to what is going on this Fairfield Friday Jazz Friday Where: BCC Lower Level When: 2:00 p.m. Jazz will fill the air of the Campus Center as a student jazz ensemble performs in another Jazz Friday. Light refreshments and dessert will be served. The event was created by and will be hosted by the Dean of Students. Men’s Ice Hockey Game Where: Wonderland of Ice When: 8:00 p.m. The Men’s Ice Hockey team will play host to SUNY-New Paltz. The club hockey team has been “red hot” in weeks past. Despite buses to the game being cancelled, the crowd should be huge.

Bookstore Offers 25 percent off all Red apparel Where: Bookstore When: 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Don’t have your Fairfield red ready to go? The bookstore has you covered, as they will be offering 25 percent off all Fairfield apparel that is predominately red. FREE Stag Snack Bar Where: Stag Dining Room When: 10:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Bacon, egg and cheese and sausage, egg and cheese sandwiches will be available from the grill of the Stag late Friday night. The event is a great way to end the night on a full stomach.

Want to be a Fairfield Friday advertiser? E-mail fairfieldmirrorads@gmail.com


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Entertainment

Editor: JP Porretta

February 5, 2009

13

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Driving more than just the bus

Reggae musician and Stag bus driver Mutti Lewis talks to The Mirror about his message by

Ryan Berthod

StagBus driver and reggae musician Mutti Lewis might be losing his house, but will never lose hope. Lewis, the StagBus driver, is a reggae musician born in Jamaica. He currently resides in Bridgeport playing music in local bars with his eight-piece band, while also driving the StagBus part time. If you've ever been driven by him, you most likely remember his free-spirit, long dreadlocks, contagious smile and trademark statement, "It's all good," that you will hear when you step off the bus. Mutti has written three studio albums that have received local radio airtime, along with being featured in many places all over Connecticut, including a Barack Obama rally a few weeks before the election. But Lewis's latest project is trying to be something more than just a musical CD; he is trying to fight poverty. His new CD, "A Loaf of Bread," will donate 50 percent of all proceeds to global foundations to help fight worldwide poverty, while the other 50 percent will go to helping Lewis and his family keep his home, which he may lose soon due to foreclosure. "I'm not the only one losing my home, man ‌ millions of Americans face this everyday," Lewis said. Lewis is quick to say how much the Fairfield students have helped shape his new album lyrically and conceptually. He said that while driving the bus, he always tries to interact with the students, because he sees so much potential in all of them.

by

Andoni Flores/The Mirror

Bus driver finds Fairfield students inspiring: Mutti Lewis makes CD to raise funds for worldwide poverty.

"Talking with college students inspires me and hopefully I inspire them as well. They make my day and I have great philosophical discussions about life. It helps so much with some of my lyrics," he said. Lewis is known on campus by many, and his outgoing personality and fun spirit he expresses while driving students around campus have made him one of the most beloved StagBus drivers. Ben Geller '10 said, "I've been driven by him a couple of times and have always seen him talking to students on the bus, having these real in-depth discussions. He is the nicest guy and always seems friendly and happy." Lewis, although facing a possible devastating situation, is trying to keep his hope. Despite his unfortunate situation, he

said he believes in the power of the human race working together, and hopes to speak to everyone in trouble on his new album. Lewis said that besides students serving as inspiration for his music, Fairfield University may provide more for his musical career as he plans a musical tour. "I'm talking to some staff, man, about the possibility of starting the tour here. I'd love to play here, and I see no better place to start my tour," Lewis said. When Lewis was asked why he wrote the album, he responded: "The message of the music is totally timely ‌ it's for the moment, it's all about helping one another. We're going through a devastating time right now, and lyrically this album is about dealing with and accepting the moment." If you would like to learn more about Mutti and his music, his Web site is www.MuttiLewis.com. Lewis is also available on iTunes, and a few videos are posted of the musician on YouTube.

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' hitting Broadway

Kristen McManus

Despite recent exaggerated tabloid reports that Michael Jackson is slowly deteriorating due to multiple illnesses, he has chosen to remove the Zorro-like mask he tends to sport to make Broadway his next conquest. Broadway producer James L. Nederlander has acquired the rights to "Thriller," the music-video best known for its zombie dance scene. There is no news yet on who will write, direct or choreograph the adaptation of the horror-film spoof to the big stage. Songs from the chart-topping albums "Thriller" and "Off the Wall" will most certainly be included. "I love the idea of making 'Thriller' a musical. Girl meets boy, they fall in love, boy has big secret, now what?" said Nederlander in an interview with The Associated Press. He currently heads the company that owns nine Broadway theaters. The "Thriller" video tells a love story complete with zombies, werewolves and a leg-swinging dance. After Jackson tells his date that he wants to "go steady" with her, he begins to transform into a "werecat," revealing the big secret that he warned her about. Next, the couple finds themselves in a theater actually watching the horrifying scene unfold on screen. The date runs out scared and the pair walks by a graveyard full of zombies on the way home. The video ends when the date wakes up in her house and realizes the whole night was a dream. Jackson refuses to end in this state of normalcy, however, and grins at the camera with yellow eyes before the credits roll. "Thriller" won a Grammy in 1984 for Best Video Album and one in 1985 for Best Video, Long Form. It also acquired 3 MTV Music Awards in 1984 and a final one in 1999 for being number one on the list of 100 Greatest Music Videos Ever Made. Legal problems, however, may prevent "Thriller" from taking the stage any time soon. Filmmaker John Landis, director of the "Thriller" video, claims that Jackson still owes him 50 percent of the net profits from the video, according to E! News Online.

Contributed photo

Jack is back: Broadway lights have attracted the "Thriller" phenomenon.

50 percent, in this case, is thought to be about $1 million dollars. Some of Landis' other film credits include "Animal House," "Blues Brothers," "Twilight Zone: The Movie" and "An American Werewolf in London." In an interview with The Wrap, an online entertainment site, Landis' attorney Martin Feldman said he did not understand why Jackson would simply not pay the money. Jackson has refused to comment at this point. Despite the legal delay, however, expect "Thriller" to debut as another celebrityinspired Broadway hit.


14 February 5, 2009

Entertainment

The

Mirror

Franz Ferdinand's 'Tonight' not remembered tomorrow

by Alex Garens (U-Wire/The Badger

Herald)

After experiencing enormous popularity and critical acclaim for its debut and followup albums in 2004 and 2005, Scottish band Franz Ferdinand reprises its spotlight with its long-awaited third album, "Tonight: Franz Ferdinand." While it is evident the new album is evolutionary for the band, "Tonight" is somewhat of a stale affair with a drowsy side effect similar to that of Nyquil. After several years on tour and in the studio, Franz Ferdinand decided to steer the sound of its new album away from the pop genre and toward a more dub-influenced dance rock. Indeed, much of the album displays the heavy bass, reverbs and rhythms typical of dub. "Tonight" also introduces a strong electronic presence, delivered via synthesizers, adding a new dimension of modernity to the group's sound. While the new album as a whole is entirely listenable, Franz Ferdinand has submerged itself into a new hybrid genre without experimenting enough to achieve any sort of internal variance, leaving much of "Tonight" sounding generic and indistinguishable from other tracks on the album. This is not to say these tracks are bad — on the contrary they are all palatable, if not enjoyable — though it is problematic when a 12-song album sounds like a four or fivesong one. Standouts include the album's first single, "Ulysses," which opens with a downtempo beat that quickly gives way to a heavy, sinister synth and rock chorus. What would

Are YOU the

be a very successful track, fraught with fresh sound transitions and rich vocals, flounders from the numbing contrast of smart lyrics such as "You're never going home / You're not Ulysses," and the fatuous opening lyrics "I'm bored / C'mon let's get high," that make the track almost impossible to take seriously. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy as actually being distinguishable from other songs on the album. Also, straying from the generic are "Bite Hard," which transitions from a quiet piano intro to a catchy bass and key heavy dancerock tune, and "Live Alone," by far the album's most synthesized track, allowing the various electronic loops and high-tempo guitar and bass to build off each other. Less successfully deviant, "Lucid Dreams" starts off with the generic, dated post-punk revival but gets a breath of life after about a minute, only to go comatose at the fourminute mark, which then yields a lengthy and incongruous part-industrial, part-electronic instrumental. Appropriately closing the album on a sleepy note, "Katherine Kiss Me" stands alone as the only acoustic track. With lyrics that are quirky without being obscure or inane and an interesting melody, the track oozes potential, but is detracted by questionable key changes and oddly offputting vocals, and thus is representative of "Tonight" as a whole — promising without ever prospering. In the end, the album is a highly listenable collection of songs. The new sound is interesting, and many of the tracks have potential, yet nothing about "Tonight" is terribly bold, and so it is held back from having any real hits.

missing piece?

Career Connections =8@I=@<C; LE@M<IJ@KPÊJ

JGI@E> :8I<<I =8@I Connect with employers about job and internship opportunities

Thursday, February 12, 2009 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Leslie C. Quick Jr. Recreation Complex (adjacent to Alumni Hall)

Jl`kj i\Zfdd\e[\[ 9i`e^ cfkj f] i jld j Xe[ pfli JkX^:Xi[ For a list of companies, please refer to the Career Planning Center Web site: nnn%]X`i]`\c[%\[l&ZgZ For more information, call the Career Planning Center at (203) 254-4081


15 February 5, 2009

Entertainment

The Fray proves to be more than 'Enough for Now'

by

JP Porretta

©2009 ERNST & YOUNG LLP. Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm located in the US.

Time and time again, the mainstream sees a countless number of artists who take the world by storm with their stellar debuts, only to follow with a disappointing sophomore release. We saw it with James Blunt and Bowling for Soup, and we'll most likely be seeing it with Katy Perry. So when The Fray announced the release of its second album, the big question was:

The

Mirror

sophomore slump or comeback of the year? The answer is most certainly the latter. The Fray made an incredible entrance to the music world in 2005 with the release of its chart topping debut "How to Save a Life." The album saw four top 10 singles, and transformed the band from a coffee shop quartet to an arena spectacle. Now, the band's second album, which is simply titled "The Fray," proves to be just as good if not better than its first release. The 10-track CD starts off with "Syndicate," a perfect introduction to the bands newer sound, and perhaps one of the best songs on the album. One track that most fans are pretty familiar with is the first single off the album, "You Found Me." The song was first heard by the public back in November, when it was used for a promo for the new season of ABC's "Lost." Upon hearing the minute and a half snippet, fans were already praising the song as arguably one of the band's best. Musically a great pick for the album's first single, "You Found Me" lyrically tells a touching tale of why bad things happen to good people, and where God is when he is needed the most. With the multiple tragedies singer Issac Slade has dealt with over the last few years, he sings with passion, "Where were you, when everything was falling apart? When all my days were spent by a telephone, you never came." Slade talked about this imaginary argument in an interview, explaining, "I kept getting these phone calls from home, tragedy after tragedy…if there is some kind of person in charge of this planet-are they sleeping? Smoking?...I just imagined running into God standing on a street corner like Bruce Springsteen, smoking a cigarette, and I'd have it out with him. " Another noteworthy track is "Where the Story Ends." Reminiscent to the band's 2005 single, "Over My Head," the fast paced track could be an easy pick for the next single. The album also contains several of the Fray's trademark piano ballads, like the hair raising "Enough for Now." The album closes with its emotional tenth track, "Happiness," an acoustic driven ballad that is sure to raise the hairs on all listeners arms. The Fray continue on its golden streak with the band's eponymous second album. With not a single track worth skipping, The Fray are showing the music world that the group is not going anywhere any time soon.

Day one and the journey’s just begun Day one. It’s what you’ve been waiting for. When your career starts to take shape with award-winning training and support. When your skills are developed through experiences tailored to your needs. And when your success is driven by individual coaching, mentoring and counseling. From your very first day, we’re committed to helping you achieve your potential. So, whether your career lies in assurance, tax, transaction or advisory services, shouldn’t your day one be at Ernst & Young?

What’s next for your future? Visit ey.com/us/eyinsight and our Facebook page.


16 February 5, 2009

Entertainment

Carlo

The Mirror: You guys are touring with

The Secondand Mirror: You guys Serenade? are touringHow with secondhand do you feel serenade? about that? How do you feel about that?

Carlo Gimenez: Personally, I'd never really

CG: heard Personally, of Secondhand I’ve neverSerenade really heard until of we Secondjumped hand on Serenade this tour.until I'd never we jumped heardonany thisoftour. theI’ve band's never music heardorany know of their any music of orthem. know When any of them. we did When jump weon didthe jumptour, on the getting tour, getting to know to know thetem group was was great. great. I haven’t I haven't really really listened listened to their to the set band's yet …set whenever yet … they’re whenever playing thewe’re bandloading is playing out…we're I usually loading onlyout… catch their I usually encore,only so I don’t catch really the have group's anencore, opinion yet so about I don't their really set and have theiran music, opinion their yet style about and the theirband's vibe. set, music, style and vibe. TM: TM: You’re You're the second the guitarist, secondyou’ve guitarist, been brought that has in,been right?brought in, right?

CG: Yes. When the first guitar player left, I

CG: submitted Yes. Whensome ¬¬theaudition first guitar videos playervia left,YouTube. I submitted Nicksome wasaudition browsing videos through via Youtube. them Nick and he wassent browsing me an e-mail throughsaying, them and "Do he you sent want me antoemail fly out, saying we'll‘Do tryyou youwant outtofor fly a out, tour, we’lland try you if everything out for a tour, works andout if everything you'll beworks partout of you’ll the group." be part ofSo I theflew group’. out,Soand I flew that's out,how and itthat’s started howwith it started me and with theme band. and the band. TM:Out TM: Out of allof theall songs the that songs you’ve thatplayed, you'vewhat’s played, your what's favorite your song? favorite song?

CG: Definitely "Roses" is one of them, because

CG: it has Definitely a really “Roses” low is tempo, one of but them, a really becauseheavy it hasvibe a really to it. lowAnd tempo, "Black but a really Wedding," heavy vibe definitely. to it. And We“Black start the Wedding”, set off with definitely. "Black WeWedding," start the setand offwhenever with “Black weWedding”, play it, we and get whenever so comfortable. we play it, The we get whole so comfortable. set becomes The really whole set cohesive becomesafter really that.cohesive It's a really after that. jumpy It’ssong a really andjumpy up-tempo. song and up-tempo.

Meg

The Mirror: Do you write all the music for the records? Meg: No, I wrote most of the first

one, but on this last one Dia wrote half the songs. TM: Do you guys write the music first or the lyrics first? M: On the ones that I write myself it can go either way. It's not music first or lyrics first, for me it's an idea that I get first, so if I have what I want to write about and what I want it to sound like in general it could go either way. It's not necessarily one way or the other, sometimes you get in this poetical mood and the lyrics just come. TM: Who did you listen to when you were learning how to play guitar? M: I didn't really listen to a lot of people, to tell you the truth. It's really weird, I know that most people have their influences that are all the good people, like "The Beatles" and all that. TM: How do you come up with the names for your albums? M: Picking the name for an album is really a personal process. You have to think of a phrase or a word that will encompass all the subject matter in all the songs combined. It always takes a lot of thought.

The

Mirror


Coffee Break

Editor: Gabriella Tutino

Josh Kenney

T

heme parties represent one of the most delicate balances in the collegiate setting. Do them right, and you’ll be remembered as a demigod. Do them wrong, and no one will be at your house for a good long while unless, of course, you live at the beach. After all, everyone loves getting wasted off a keg. It’s so college, dude. Sarcasm and subjectivity aside, there are fine lines between great theme parties and horrible ones. “So, Josh, what are the secret ingredients that will ensure that my party will not resemble the bubonic plague?” Good theme parties must be both original and authentic. In other words, don’t plan on throwing a '60s/'70s party unless you own a turntable and plan on having a punch bowl littered with LSD tabs. In other words, go big or go home. Then, there are certain theme parties that should never be thrown under any circumstances. Although Tina would wholeheartedly disagree with me, I believe

February 5, 2009

HE said / SHE said

Theme parties: Go big or go home that throwing a "Risky Business" theme party is one of them. Next to the toga party (which, by the way, has oodles more class), it is the most cliché of all theme parties. I can’t count on two hands the number of times I’ve seen either ideas on Facebook these past four years. Attending a "Risky Business" party proves to everyone, whether or not they choose to admit it, that they are desperate to get laid. We get it, you have less morality than Britney Spears, Adolf Hitler and "Jane Roe" all rolled into one. Not to mention that the majority of the folks who have attended this over-used theme party have, in fact, never seen the 1980s Tom Cruise flick. If you’re going to throw a “Risky” theme I say grow a pair and have a completely naked party and skip the pleasantries. The only downside is that come morning it will look like an I-95 pile up, skid marks and all. Now if that isn’t the sultriest party of the year, I don’t know what is.

I

think it’s safe to say that if college students were polled about the best aspects of college life, theme parties would definitely be in the top five. If you take the time to seriously think about this bizarre concept, you will find that college kids are capable of coming up with some pretty crazy ideas. I have to admit that I found the inspiration for this topic on Friday night when my house, The Guy’s Dupe, hosted the traditional "Risky Business" party. I felt it was appropriate to discuss this week, seeing as I got approval from the one and only Mr. Andrew "Chattin' with" Chapin when he informed me that his Mom may or may not have known about our party because she had just hooked him up with a fresh pack of tighty whiteys. The "Risky Business" party is all too perfect for Fairfield University because no one can say they don’t have the proper attire. The oxford is a staple on our campus. Yes, this classic piece of fashion has been previously used to impress employers, promise parents that your boyfriend is a charming fellow and act as a fool-

17

www.fairfieldmirror.com

Tina Masciadrelli

proof way to make yourself seem put together. Isn’t it amazing how dropping your pants and shaking it like Tom Cruise can suddenly transform a once proper looking crowd into a bunch of beer guzzling, air guitar playing lunatics? There is no other time in your life when you will walk into a party and catch a glimpse of a bin with a sign above it that reads “Drop Pants Here." (If you do run into this scenario after college, please find the nearest exit and deny all claims that you were at such an inappropriate event). But because we are in college, unbuckle and get ready to dance. A "Risky Business" party is the only time when you can literally walk around with no pants on and have it be OK. Of course, like all theme parties, too much alcohol is always consumed to make the outlandish attire seem more bearable. So while we’re young, let’s dress up in crazy outfits, drink up with crazy friends, and if necessary, drop your pants for a crazy time.


18 February 5, 2009

Coffee Break

The

Mirror


19 February 5, 2009

Sports

Mirror

'Stag Shot' of the Week

Women's Club Ice Hockey

Stags fly together: The women's hockey team completed a home-and-home sweep of Smith College over the weekend with an 8-2 victory at Smith on Jan. 31 and a 7-5 victory at the Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport on Feb. 1. The wins improved the Stags record to 4-4 on the season. "We have a really young, talented team," said Club President Emily Hegel '10. "We have three seniors, two juniors, eight sophomores and four freshmen. We've also been really lucky with the addition of [soccer player] Ahna Johnson." Johnson has had hat tricks in two games with the Stags. Against Smith on Sunday, sophomore center Christine Steverman, a Needham, Mass. native, scored all seven of the Stags goals and now has 25 on the season, which is fourth in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II level. The game against Smith on Sunday was a come from behind win, as the Stags fell behind early and had to battle back for the victory. The Stags have struggled to find a permanent goalie this season and at times have played with an empty net, including in a win over Columbia, 7-6 on Dec. 5. The Stags have also defeated Mount Holyoke this season. With three games left on the season the Stags still have a lot to look forward to, including their final home game of the year on Feb. 8 against Northeastern at the Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport. — Tom Cleary Men's lacrosse

It's that time again: The men's lacrosse team officially began the

2009 season with a trip to Pennsylvania and a late January scrimmage against Bucknell, new head coach Andy Copelan's alma matter. Prior to the scrimmage, the team began formal practice on Jan. 12. "We were anxious to get the players back on the field and get under way," Copelan said. "These practices are very important to the overall success of the season and I was pleased with the effort that we gave today." The Stags continue their preseason preparation with a scrimmage against Penn at Alumni Field on Feb. 7. The team's first official game of the season comes on Feb. 21 against Delaware. — Keith Connors

Mirror Sports

3x5

Contributed photo A Fairfield face-off: Tara Lessard '11, Kati Lorenzen '12 and Hillary Taverna '12 lineup for a face-off against Bates College. The women's club ice hockey team (see story left), is 4-4 on the season with three games to go.

Male Stag-lete of the Week ATHLETE: Yorel Hawkins '11 SPORT: Men's Basketball ACHIEVEMENT: Hawkins totaled double-digit efforts in the Stags' most recent wins against Marist and Loyola (Md.). Following a 14-point effort against the Red Foxes on Jan. 30, Hawkins recorded 13 points and 11 rebounds, leaading the Stags to a 68-54 victory over Loyola (Md.). Hawkins has filled in admirably for fellow sophomore Warren Edney, who is out for the season with an Achilles' injury. It looks as if Fairfield has found its scoring compliment to junior forward Greg Nero.

Female Stag-lete of the Week ATHLETE: Lauren Kennedy '12 SPORT: Swimming ACHIEVEMENT: Kennedy continued her stellar freshman season with an impressive showing against Iona and Loyola (Md.), recording two individual victories and a win in the 200m medley relay. Kennedy captured the 200 breaststroke with a personal best and ECAC qualifying time of 2:29.52, less than a second off of Fairfield's record time. She also won the 200 IM with a personal best of 2:17.66. In her third individual event, Kennedy was the runner-up in the 100 breaststroke.

Tom Cleary

Keith Connors

Managing Editor

Sports Editor

Chris Simmons News Editor

The Questions

Ryan Olander. With his height he can make a difference against smallerMAAC teams.

Desiree Pina. Frager needs a third scoring threat behind Baendu and Groomer.

After reading Tom's story on the next big thing, I'm going to have to say Brandon Davis.

Greg Paulus.

Jimmy O'Sullivan. He's coach Ed Cooley's personal victory cigar.

Every time I see Sarah Paulus, I think of flopping Duke basketball players. I can't help it.

Well I'll say yes, since I really don't know how they have done other seasons.

We'll find out down in Baltimore. They know a thing or two about swimming, right Simmons?

Well Keith, our swimmers know more than just swimming... they know how to party, too.

4. Who will Manny Ramirez The Red Sox. He probably forgot what happened in Boston already. finally sign with?

A Red Sox fans' worst nightmare? Hmm...

I have no idea how this guy still doesn't have a team. And I'm an Orioles fan. I get pumped for Ty Wigginton.

Lead the juniors to the Promised Land: the beach.

Book a spring concert. Somebody. Anybody. Then again, these are the guys that booked John Legend.

I'd announce I'm not running next year and give my full support to Kevin McGreen in the coming election.

1. Who is the most important freshman basketball player? 2. Backup point guard toss-up: Sarah Paulus or Lyndon Jordan? 3. Is this the best season in Fairfield swimming history?

5. If I was Jeff Seiser for a day...


20 February 5, 2009

by

Sports

The

Mirror

National Sports News

Students, faculty react to Phelps' marijuana use

Kristen McManus

Michael Phelps may not find himself too "high" on potential sponsors lists after a photo of him smoking marijuana was leaked to British tabloid News of the World Sunday. "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," Phelps said in a statement released by his marketing agency, Octagon. "I'm 23 years Phelps old, and, despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again." The picture comes from a party that occurred three months after the Olympics. The World Anti-Doping Agency code currently upholds that cannabis, or marijuana, is not banned during out of competition testing; an athlete is only subject to sanctions if he or she tests positive during competition periods. What is the problem, then? Despite the fact that the slip-up will most likely not affect his athletic eligibility, the incident could hurt his expansive endorsement portfolio. His current sponsors include Speedo, Kellogg Co., Mazda, Subway, Visa and AT&T. All endorsements could total almost $100 million over Phelps' lifetime. The Associated Press honored Phelps

as the male athlete of the year for 2008 and Sports Illustrated gave him Sportsman of the Year accolades. Clearly, Phelps is not just a normal 20-something kid, gaining a highly-public role that must now weigh heavily on his conscience. Collegiate swimmers, who know all too well the demands of excelling in the water, seem to feel sympathetic toward his situation. "What happened to Phelps is unfortunate. He has accomplished more than people can even dream about, which set expectations high, but it's easy to forget he is still a kid," swimmer Garrett Marqua '09 said. "At 23 years old he has spent the majority of his life training and dedicating himself to the pool. That means no drinking, no partying late night and there's no chance he has had a typical upbringing. The guy just won eight gold medals and what he does in the off season is his business," Marqua added. Emily Benton, a senior member of the swim team at Loyola College in Maryland, agrees with Marqua's sentiments. "Overall, I feel it's a bad representation for him and the sport by showing that swimmers are wild on the off season," she said. "He needs to know that he is a national figure now. "But at the same time, he is only 23. I feel like he's just conflicted right now with being a normal person." In response to the photograph controversy, appropriate voices for Phelps have issued statements to appease fans and sponsors. "Michael is a role model, and he is well aware of the responsibilities and accountability that come with setting a posi-

tive example for others, particularly young people," the U.S. Olympic Committee said in a statement. "In this instance, regrettably, he failed to fulfill those responsibilities." Despite Phelps' "failure," Fairfield fans of Phelps try to understand his situation from their respective viewpoints. Senior Emily Janis, a member of the varsity field hockey team, thinks that his decision was one of poor judgment, yet she still admires his athletic ability. "I think what he did was stupid, but it doesn't make him a bad person," she said. "Hopefully the athletic community still recognizes him as a great talent." Lauren Levy '09, a marketing and sales intern, understands how this could possibly have an adverse effect on his marketing potential. "Often times with fame and fortune comes reckless behavior, which is fine if you don't have millions of dollars riding on your back," she said. "I think any 23-yearold experiments the way he did, but he has to realize that he isn't just a normal college student." If Phelps were a Fairfield athlete, he could find himself losing more than just a major sponsorship. "If a situation arose like this with a Fairfield University student athlete, we would follow the guidelines in the studentathlete code of conduct or drug/alcohol policy to handle any consequences, education, counseling, etc," Alison Sexton, Fairfield Senior Associate Director of Athletics, said. "The student would also be subject to the policies for all students out of the Dean of Students office." All Fairfield University athletes receive

the Student-Athlete Handbook at the beginning of each school year. In the code of conduct, marijuana remains on the "Prohibited Substances" list. The section reads that use of any drug on the list "is expressly prohibited whether such use occurs before, during or after the student athlete's season." All student-athletes must sign a consent form annually that confirms their willingness to be drug-tested upon request. If a student refuses to sign, he or she will become ineligible to participate on the respective athletic team. Drug tests occur unannounced throughout the school year, and typically take the form of urine sampling. The NCAA list of banned substances can be found at its official Web site for Health and Safety regulations. Individual athletes from all teams are selected at unannounced, random times during the year. The Stags men's and women's basketball teams, however, will have individuals selected every time. Stringent rules like these do not exist for Phelps, however, and will not prevent him from returning to the pool. He took only four months off before beginning to prepare for post-Olympic events, as well as the 2012 games in London. The Beijing Olympics eight-time gold medal winner's coach Bob Bowman issued a single statement through Phelps' agent, according to Yahoo! News. "He regrets his behavior, and I'm sure he'll learn from this experience," Phelps' coach said. "I'm glad to have him back in training."


21 February 5, 2009

by

Athletes aren't supposed to be reserved and focused, quiet and composed. American culture and mass media ingrained the concept of "athlete" and "hero" into your mind gradually and subconsciously. The result is an impression of an Olympic icon, an intermingling of athleticism, strength, rowdiness and arrogance. An athlete conforming to such standards is hailed as an icon. The others? Shunned because of their differences. And that's just fine with freshman swimmer Kekoa Taparra. A four-time All-American at Kamehameha High School in Mililani, Hawaii, Taparra has subtly set the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) aflame this season. Taparra continued his stunning debut with three first-place finishes in the team's final dual meet on the year against Iona and Loyola (Md.), winning the 100, 200-yard breaststroke, and the 200-yard individual medley. A week earlier, Taparra shattered the 200-meter breaststroke record previously last year's standout swimmer, Drew Kingman, by nearly four seconds. "If you watched him in a practice you wouldn't know he is as good as he is," head coach Bill

Mirror

Swimming and Diving

A silent soldier

Keith Connors

by

Sports

Freshman sensation Kekoa Taparra is redefining the meaning of 'star athlete'

Farley said. "But then you'll tell the best in terms of your own self." plain," Farley said of his freshteam to go fast on this set and then Even outside the pool Tap- man. "He is very unassuming. Evyou realize, 'Wow, erything that comes that guy is good.'" out of his mouth is "He just takes positive, and he is off, and nobody only a freshman." can stay with him," Farley adds that Farley adds. Taparra is a remarkCumulatively, ably focused indiTaparra has won 19 vidual. A doubleof his 23 individual major in computer events during the sciences and biology Stags' dual meet with dual minors in season, establishing Asian studies and three school-records mathematics, Taparand tying another. ra already has grand "One of the plans of lab research things we learned and studying abroad going through the in Japan. dual meet season is "If I talk to that you can put him him on a daily basis anywhere." Farley before practice, he said. "He can virtutalks to me about ally swim anything, his classes, he talks and he is going to be to me about getting in the race." a job," Farley adds. Taparra, though, "He never talks to is quick to deflect inme about swimdividual praise. ming, and I think "I don't really that's great." think about it in Taparra forced Niles Muzyk/The Mirror terms of other peo- Can't stop smiling: Freshman Kekoa Taparra's breakthrough himself to become ple," Taparra said season has paced the Fairfield men's swimming team this season. involved from the softly. "Ever since outset to help in his I started swimming adjustment. For him, my coaches have always told me arra's laid back attitude shines Fairfield represented more than a that swimming is an individual through his personality. 5009-mile gap between his collesport. You always just try to do the "I've never heard him com- giate life and his home; it was his

Cold as ice

Phil Mortenson

It's Friday, Dec. 5 at the Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport. Fairfield University's club hockey team is about to square off against Yale. However, there is a real problem at the rink tonight: There are no fans present. The bleachers play host to a dozen or so people who seem to be over 30 and therefore must be parents and relatives. Where, then, are all of the team's student fans? The answer lies with the cancellation of a fan bus to the rink in Bridgeport. The fan buses played a crucial role in granting access for underclassmen to the club hockey team's games. Now that there isn't transportation provided, the team has gone through its season with an empty rink. This lack of attendance this season serves as a real low blow to a team that has worked hard to achieve success. Fairfield's hockey team has come a long way over the years and its regional recognition as a developing hockey plan is due to the team, as well as its head coach. It was five years ago when coach Marshall Richards joined Fairfield's hockey team behind the bench. Richards joined the organization when the team had been moved from Division I to club hockey status. In the time that he has served as head coach, Richards has worked hard to transform his club hockey team into a proud representation of the University. Under Richards' leadership, the club team made it all the way to nationals just last year. A recent article in The Mirror celebrated the team's success, but wrongly blamed the lack of support for the organization one year after its championship run on disinterest. The real culprit for the change? The absence of transportation to and from games for supportive members of the Fairfield community. Richards, as a coach, is steadily approaching 100 wins and each year the team continues to prove itself. To have no fan support because of a busing problem after such a successful year is disappointing. The hockey team at Fairfield had enjoyed a tradition of student fans rallying in the stands to cheer on the hard

first opportunity to live and train on the East Coast. "I had been on the West Coast my whole life, but I really wanted to go to college on the East Coast," Taparra said. "I figured that something that different would develop me as a person. "And it has so far," said the talented freshman. Taparra said that his relationship with his teammates, coupled with his involvement in extracurricular activities, eased the initial transition to East Coast life. "They are like my family," Taparra said. As Taparra and the Stags prepare for the MAAC Invitational Meet, which begin on Feb. 12 at Loyola College's Aquatic Center in Baltimore, Md., Farley takes comfort in knowing that the team is in prime position to have its strongest showing in decades. "We have a really great group of kids here this year," Farley said. "I drive home most nights with a smile on my face, and it has been a long time since I can say that." At that crux of the change is Farley's freshman prodigy, whose name means "soldier" in native Hawaiian. Maybe it's classical conditioning; you would never think of Taparra like that.

With no more fan bus to games and dwindling attendance, the love is lacking for the Fairfield Club Hockey team

working team. Now the team plays in a rink that resembles a ghost town. If you were to ask the team about the fan turnout this season, it is apparent that the lack of support has hurt team enthusiasm and confidence. Freshman Chris Pacicco confirms this sentiment. " "We need fans, it will help the morale of the team," Paccicco said. Left wing Ethan Finlay '09 said, "I feel like I'm out for a Sunday skate with no fans." The recent article in The Mirror sugar coats the atten-

What to Watch For Friday Feb. 6, 8:00 p.m. vs. SUNY-New Paltz Wonderland of Ice Bridgeport, CT The Stags return home for the first game at the Wonderland of Ice since Dec. 5. dance this season, as a vast majority of the team is upset with the turnout. "(There has been) zero turnout beyond parents" freshman goaltender Mike Pagliuco. In fairness to the team and its recent successes, the University's club hockey team has come very far as an organization and deserves the support of the college community. So what was the cause of the fan bus cancellation? Rumors circulate through the rink, as the club hockey team has no one to turn to, or to blame. Representatives of club sports at Fairfield could not be reached to comment on the situation.

Searching for answers in an all but abandoned rink, it is hard to tell what the cause truly is. A disagreement between Fairfield and The Wonderland of Ice stands as the most likely cause of the fan bus cancellation. Ideally, it would have been nice to reach a formal agreement prior to the start of the season in the fall, but it seems that it was simply an administrative problem between the two organizations that simply was not resolved. To leave such a problem unanswered, though, has caused the club hockey team to suffer. The Fairfield administration should solve this problem, if only to reward the team for its success and show equity across the board for all club sport teams. The club hockey team is certainly not feeling respected this season as it struggles to get even a meager attendance. Fairfield needs to do something for next season so that underclassmen can celebrate a hockey team of which they should be proud. This of course will boost morale for an already accomplished team. On the other hand, while it is difficult to blame the student body for this problem, this issue needs to be fixed by students going the extra mile to support a deserving team. The Wonderland of Ice is not very far from school and the team would like to return to the previous glory that echoed through their home ice. It is up to the upperclassmen who have cars to make it out to the game in the absence of the fan busses. There is no excuse for this problem to persist and if Fairfield will do nothing to support the club hockey team, then it lies with the upperclassmen students to carpool in support of the team. Let's celebrate the team's success not by simply writing about it in the past tense, but instead by attending the team's upcoming games, regardless of the lack of fan busing or the absence of StagBus transportation. The team has a few games left that desperately need a home ice advantage and strong fan support. The next game at Wonderland of Ice is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. against SUNY-New Paltz. Let's turn Wonderland of Ice into the great venue it once was in support of a great team.


22 February 5, 2009

Sports

Men's Basketball

I felt something good about this team this morning." Fairfield head coach Ed Cooley, assessing his team's positive preparation the morning of the team's 68-54 victory over Loyola (Md.) Sunday at the Arena at Harbor Yard. Game of the week

Fairfield vs. Niagara

Sunday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. Second and third in the preseason ranking, Sunday's game in Buffalo marks the first meeting this season between the two contenders. MAAC standings Overall Conf.

18-5 12-0 17-6 8-3 12-9 7-4 14-9 7-5 12-10 6-6 11-13 6-6 10-13 5-7 7-17 3-9 6-16 3-9 7-15 2-10

In the team's darkest hour, junior forward Greg Nero stood tall

Keith Connors efforts in scoring and rebounding in both games. Sports Editor In just a shade over 30 minutes of

"We had a tremendous breakfast.

Siena Niagara Rider Fairfield Manhattan Loyola (Md.) Iona Marist St. Peter's Canisius

Mirror

Big man, bigger leader

he said it...

Team

The

The screams howled in the distance, echoing louder and louder with every passing second. Head coach Ed Cooley bypassed the locker room and went straight to the team bus. Jon Han, the team's senior captain and point guard, gave his input in a very public, vocal manner and then disappeared into the night. "We have a lot of demons we have to get out right now," junior forward Greg Nero said moments later, the only player with the fortitude to speak amidst the backstage sideshow. Demons, at the time, seemed like an understatement. Ten days later, the Stags emerged from an emotional roller coaster of a week the winners of two straight games, the first over Marist, which led by 17 points at half, and the second over Loyola (Md.), previous winners of six straight and the same team that prematurely ended the Stags' season in each of the past two seasons. The emergence of sophomore point guard Lyndon Jordan helped, as did the rise of Yorel Hawkins as a consistent scoring threat and Herbie Allen as a stable senior presence on and off the court. But you don't have to look much further than the man that stood up in the team's darkest moments to explain the turnaround. Nero was a veritable man on a mission this weekend. Despite being forced to start both games on the bench because of a balky back, Nero managed to total double-digit

play on Sunday, Nero abused Loyola (Md.) forward Isaac Reid, totaling 19 points and 11 rebounds. That came just 48 hours after Nero's 15-point effort against Marist 13 of which came in Fairfield's 17-point second-half comeback. "Another big leadership game," Cooley said. Arguably the most amazing part of the story is that Nero's doing all of this hurt, far more hurt than anyone even realizes. "We've been like the walking wounded here these past couple of weeks," Cooley said. Against Manhattan, Cooley had pledged to give Nero the night off to rest his back. With the Stags struggling, Peter Caty/The Mirror though, Cooley looked down his bench Heart of a champion: Junior forward Greg Nero and, in desperation, did something he led the team this weekend in wins against Marist tried to avoid the entire night. (68-63) and Loyola (68-54), scoring double-digit "Coach came to me, and I told points in both games. him I'd go in," Nero said. "I knew what I had to do, knew that the team needed another showdown against Rider. me. But, to be honest, I didn't really feel All they've done since those 24 hours like playing." is take two must-win games, and all Greg But he did. Nero has done in those two games is Nero's presence in the second half assert himself as more than just the emosparked a late comeback that nearly ended tional leader; he's become the symbol of in his team stealing a road victory. the Stags' heart: bloodied and beaten, but Despite the team's most recent wins, still beating. the battle remains as uphill as ever. The When Anthony Johnson and Warren Stags lost an All-MAAC four-year starting Edney fell to season-ending injuries and point guard, a dominant center, and "one of Jon Han stumbled into finger-pointing, the best athletes in the MAAC," according Nero stood tall. to Cooley, in the span of 24 hours, and still Ten days later, his teammates are await a pair of games against Niagara and shoulder-to-shoulder.

Women's Basketball

he said it...

"I'm really pleased with the progress we've made. Now the question is: Can we sustain it?" Women's basketball head coach Joe Frager on the Stags' progress this season and the team's streak of six consecutive wins, all against conference opponents.

Game of the week

Fairfield @ Rider Friday, Feb. 6, 7pm

The Stags' streak of six straight MAAC victories is put on the line in Lawrenceville, N.J. on Friday night against the Broncs.

MAAC standings Team

Marist Fairfield Canisius Siena Iona Rider Saint Peter's Loyola (Md.) Manhattan Niagara

Overall Conf.

20-2 11-1 14-8 9-2 16-6 8-3 8-12 7-4 13-10 6-6 8-14 5-6 7-13 4-7 8-13 3-8 6-16 3-8 1-21 0-11

Positive progress

by

Chris Simmons

After the first month of play in 2009, it looked like the women's basketball team was headed for a disappointing finish. The Stags were hovering around .500 and had suffered a blowout loss to Iona. But, six straight wins by the Stags have thrust the team into second place in the MAAC, one and a half games behind Marist. Fairfield is now 14-8 overall and 9-2 in the conference. "As a coach you always try to stay as positive as you can, but in reality, you do Frager at times, question. You say; will we be able to turn this around?" said head coach Joe Frager. "We were a very inconsistent team in the first eight to 10 games of the season. "But to their credit, they started to pick up what we wanted to do better and I think our focus became better as the year went on," he added. Fairfield's most recent wins came against Siena on Thursday night at Alumni Hall and on the road in Baltimore against Loyola on Sunday. Senior Lauren Groom scored a game-high 21 points against Siena in the 73-47 win. "To have Lauren Groom step up the way she did today, she was unconscious in the first half with the ball," said Frager. "She's been much more aggressive shoot-

Frager hopes that women's basketball can sustain recent success as schedule turns to February

ing the ball in the past few games. That's exactly what the team needs." Groom hit nine of her 12 shots, including two of three from beyond the arc. "Coach Frager always says that we like to play our best basketball in the last third of the season," said Groom. "I think that we are way ahead of where we were in the beginning of the season." The Stags won by a wide margin despite leading-scorer senior Baendu Lowenthal being held to six points. But Fairfield has seven players score six or more points and plenty of contributions from its bench. "I really thought that Taryn Johnson gave us a nice spark off the bench," said Frager. "She had 10 rebounds in 18 minutes." Johnson was one of three freshmen to receive significant playing time, along with Sarah Paulus and Desiree Pina. Pina scored 13 points in the win over the Saints and hit three three-point shots. "It's very important (for other players to step up)," said Lowenthal. "Especially when you've got those guys shooting the outside jump shot, it makes things a lot easier for me and I thank them for that." Paulus has also received significant time as a backup behind senior guard Megan Caskin. "I think (the freshmen have improved by) leaps and bounds," said Frager. "No matter how good you are coming out of high school, it's a huge adjustment to the college game." In the win against Loyola, Fairfield started slowly and went into halftime

ahead by only two points. But the Stags held the Greyhounds to only 17 points in the second half for the 60-41 win. "I thought that the first half wasn't our best," said Frager. "When we've been playing well, we've been taking good care of the basketball. We had an uncharacteristic number of turnovers in the first half." But Frager was pleased with the effort and response of the Stags in the second half of the game. "Where in the beginning part of the year, we were all over the place," said Frager. "Sometimes we would be that team, sometimes we wouldn't. We would change within the flow of the game. We just been much more consistent with how we prepare and then carrying that over into game and trying to do as much as we can come game time." Fairfield will travel on the road to face Rider on Friday and then return to Alumni Hall to face Niagara on Sunday. "Every game in the MAAC is important," said Groom. "It's so competitive and you have to bring your 'A' game every time." After this weekend, the Stags will face MAAC-leading Marist, followed by thirdplace Canisius in two big home games. Frager knows his team is playing good basketball right now and hopes it continues through the end of the year. "I'm really pleased with the progress that we've made. Now the question is: Can we sustain it? I think that obviously you want to be playing your best basketball toward the end of the season and we're in that phase already."


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Sports

Editor: Keith Connors

January 29, 2009

Opportunity knocks

24

www.fairfieldmirror.com

For some, injuries end seasons and crush championship dreams. For others, they offer something far greater than increased playing time. It's a second chance.

Peter Caty/The Mirror

Time to shine: Sophomore guard Lyndon Jordan was one of many players to step up for the Stags in a 2-0 weekend for Fairfield, with wins coming over Marist and Loyola.

by

Tom Cleary

When senior guard Jon Han was suspended indefinitely by Fairfield head coach Ed Cooley, it seemed to most fans like the Stags were on the way to tough times. But the Fairfield players had no similar thoughts, even though they were down to just eight players on the bench after Warren Edney's season was ended by an ankle injury and Anthony "Peanut" Johnson's by a lung condition that has put him in the hospital. The Stags proved that it may truly be their time with a two-win weekend at home against Marist, 68-63, and their bitter rival Loyola, 68-54. The wins improved the Stags record to 14-9 overall and 7-5 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), which puts them in fourth place. "I told the team before the [Marist] game, 'we have to keep playing hard and don't worry about mistakes," said senior guard Herbie Allen. According to Mike Evanovich, the team came out playing for their fallen friend, Johnson. "Peanut said he didn't want us to play for him before the game, but there is no way you are not going to play for somebody in that situation," said Evanovich. "We went out there and said we were doing this for Peanut." The Stags were led over the weekend by Evanovich, who scored 19 against

Marist, Greg Nero who scored 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds against Loyola. While experienced leaders like Evanovich, Allen and junior forward Greg Nero continued to step up, it was a surprising face that was key to the Stags victories: backup guard Lyndon Jordan. The 6-foot-2-inch, Winder, Ga. native garnered many awards and praise during his high school career, but during his first year at Fairfield and the first half of this season, he struggled to work his way into the Fairfield rotation. With Han playing upwards of 35 minutes a game and Allen also playing 30 minutes, it was nearly impossible for Jordan to find any sort of rhythm. Prior to this weekend Jordan was averaging just 6.6 minutes per game and just 1.2 points per game. His best moment came in the Stags win over Fordham when he only played one minute but scored the game-winning three pointer. Then, starting at point guard in place of Han, he had a breakout weekend. Against Marist on Friday night, he scored a careerhigh 12 points, besting his previous high of four points against Siena on Jan. 17. He also grabbed a career-high seven rebounds and played 32 minutes. He followed that performance with a 10 point game in 30 minutes against Loyola in just his third career start. "I am just taking advantage of the opportunity," Jordan said after the Loyola victory. "But as a player if you don't play a

lot you just have to work hard and wait for Han and Allen, but was never able to find the opportunity. a role. Last season he rarely came off the "Coach Cooley always says 'You never bench, and this year he only played more know what is going to happen and when we than five minutes in a game twice prior to his are going to need you, so just stay focused start against Rider on Jan. 23. Now with Han and in with the team,' so I was ready out of the picture for an indefinite period of and tried to do what I time, Jordan has a chance to prove he can." belongs in the rotation for good. Allen, who Cooley has yet to decide whether has been an off Han will return in time for Fairfield's and on starter upcoming trip to Buffalo to play Cain all four of his nisius on Friday night and Niagara on seasons at Fairfield Sunday afternoon, but said after the and has played with Loyola victory that he was with the an injured wrist over rotation at this point. the past few games, has "I think we played on a lot of been impressed by his felemotion the other night (against low guard's play. Marist) with respect to what went on "Lyndon has always been last week," Cooley said. "(Against a good shooter. He has Loyola) I thought we got better with always had confidence. our unit. Guys gelled. I thought it was His confidence is even a great game where everyone filled their more now and he is gorole, which we've been identifying over the ing to hit a lot of shots last couple days." for us in the future" said The emergence of Jordan as a scoring Allen, who averaged six threat has allowed him to be on the floor points and four assists in the more, bringing an added benefit in his two games he has filled in at point tough defensive presence that Han did guard so far. not provide. As a team, the defensive Jordan had worked his way intensity has increased. into the lineup and Cooley's "If we defend, that gets guys into rotation in the an offensive rhythm and I Peter Caty/The Mirror past, serving as a Be like Jordan: Lyndon Jordan goes up think the last two games we backup guard to for a layup in practice. did that," Cooley said.

insideSPORTS: Freshman swimmer Kekoa Taparra redefines 'star athlete'

p.21; Michael Phelps Reaction p. 20; 3x5 p. 19


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